BANGALORE:Increasing number of castes are seeking the 'backward class' tag and as many as 290
castes have applied with the Karnataka State Permanent Backward Classes Commission for the OBC
status.

Addressing a press conference here recently, the newly appointed chairman of the
Commission, Mr S Muniraju, said that the Commission is considering the applications. On the
whole, the Commission has received 874 applications- 113 on change of caste synonyms, 17 for
change in caste names and others. The Commission has addressed many applications but 271
applications are still pending, he said.

Noting that many new hostels have been started for students of OBCs, he said that around
58,945 students are making use of the facility.